One of the North East’s brightest rising stars is heading ‘Closer’ to home for a special charity event.

South Shields soul singer Lulu James, who recently supported Ellie Goulding and features on John Hopkins’s latest single, We Disappear, will be taking a break from her own European tour to appear at the Foundation of Light’s Variety Night at the Sunderland Empire on Thursday July 3.

The 21 year-old, who is now based in London, will be performing some of the hits that have earned her a huge fan base, including Closer, Rope Mirage and The End.

She will be joined for the fundraising event by North East comedians Chris Ramsey, Steffen Peddie and Jason Cook, who starred together in BBC sitcom Hebburn.

Lulu said: “I’m really looking forward to heading back to the North East and even more so to be taking part in such an exciting show. The Foundation of Light is an amazing charity and I hope that myself, the Hebburn boys and everyone else involved can make the Variety Night a huge success.”

Proceeds from the Foundation of Light’s Variety Night will be used to help fund the charity’s wide range of sport and education-based courses, which are offered free to young people and families across the North East.

Lesley Spuhler, Chief Executive for the Foundation, said: “The Variety Night will be one of the biggest events ever staged by the Foundation of Light and we’re absolutely delighted that Lulu James has been able to show her support. Lulu is an amazing talent and I’m sure she’ll help make the evening even more memorable for everyone who attends.”

Tickets for the Foundation of Light’s Variety Night are on sale now, priced from £12 each if purchased in person at the Sunderland Empire box office or from £13.90 via the Ticket Centre on 0844 871 3022.